Old Washington in Guernsey County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old Washington
Historic District
| | The Historic National Road in Ohio | |
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016
1. Old Washington Marker
Old Washington was platted along Zanes Trace in 1805 by the brothers George and Henry Beymer. Within two years twelve log dwellings had been built, making it the oldest settlement in Guernsey County. Originally known as New Washington, the official name was given little recognition, as it was generally known as Beymerstown because the Beymers were its founders. On February 10, 1829, two years after the National Road was completed through the town, it was incorporated as Washington, the prefix New being dropped after the discovery that an Ohio town of a similar name already existed. Later, after confusion with Washington Court House, the postal department made a request that Washington, Guernsey County, change its name. Reluctantly, the prefix Old was added because it was an older town. Old Washington grow rapidly after the National Road was built. The community reached its peak population in 1850. Because of lack of growth after the Civil War, Old Washington has survived as an excellent example of a 19th century National Road town.
Erected 2013 by The Ohio National Road Association, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 40° 2.277′ N, 81° 26.446′ W. Marker is in Old Washington, Ohio, in Guernsey County. It is at the intersection of Old National Road (U.S. 40) and Maple Lane, on the left when traveling east on Old National Road. Located in front of the village playground. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 233 Old National Road, Old Washington OH 43768, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Morgans Raiders (a few steps from this marker); Morgans Raid in Old Washington (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bodies of Three Confederate Cavalrymen (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Old Washington (approx. Ό mile away); Eisenhower Interstate System (approx. 2½ miles away); Peacock Road (approx. 3.3 miles away); S Bridge (approx. 3.6 miles away); Lore City Honor Roll (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Washington.
Additional keywords. Old National Road
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016
2. Old Washington Marker
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016
3. Old Washington Marker
Marker is in front of the playground. Morgan's Raid marker at far right.
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016
4. Old Washington Marker
Photo on the marker, depicting construction methods on the National Road
Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 117,219 times since then and 8,178 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 22, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
